The right pad size depends on three things: how heavy your flow is, when you wear the pad, and your body position while wearing it. Flow changes from day to day, so most people need more than one size during a cycle.

UMA pad size guide

How to tell how heavy your flow is

• Light: the pad is not yet full when you change it after 4 hours. This usually happens on the first day or the last few days.
• Moderate: the pad is fairly full when you change it after 4 hours, without leaking.
• Heavy: the pad is full or leaks before 4 hours. This usually happens on the second and third days.

If your pad often fills up before it is time to change it, choose a longer or more absorbent size. If your pad is still almost dry when you change it, a smaller size is usually more comfortable.

Example combination for one cycle

Everyone's period is different. Use this table as a starting point, then adjust based on your own experience.

Sleeping position matters too

When you lie down, menstrual blood tends to flow toward the back. This is why overnight pads are longer at the back. If you often leak at the back while sleeping, choose a longer pad and place it slightly further back. More tips are in How to Avoid Leaks While Sleeping on Your Period.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you need to change your pad every 1 to 2 hours for several hours in a row, your period lasts longer than 7 days, you pass large blood clots, or you feel weak and dizzy during your period. These can be signs of heavy menstrual bleeding.

UMA pads

All UMA pads have a top layer made from 100% organic cotton certified to the Organic Content Standard (OCS), processed without chlorine, and made without fragrance or deodorizers. Not sure about the difference between pantyliners and pads? Read Pantyliners vs Pads.